Unemployment
What is unemployment?
The US Census Bureau counts people who are over 16 years old, out of work and able to work as unemployed. It does not include students, active duty military, retired people or people who have stopped looking for work.
Why is this indicator included in CalEnviroScreen?
- People who are unemployed may have no health insurance or medical care.
- Poor health can make it hard for someone to find work or to remain in a job.
- Stress from long-term unemployment can lead to chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, and can shorten a person’s life.
How do we measure unemployment in CalEnviroScreen 4.0?
- The US Census Bureau's American Community Survey maintains information on the rate of unemployment in different areas in California.
- The indicator is the percent of the population over the age of 16 that is unemployed and eligible for the labor force.
- The data are from the years 2015-2019.
- A complete description of the Unemployment indicator can be found in the CalEnviroScreen 4.0 report.
Where can I find more information about unemployment and health?
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: California Unemployment
- Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Health Policy Snapshot: How Does Employment, or Unemployment, Affect Health?